The Brest Fortress is a significant national memorial in Belarus, the most considerable landmark and symbol of Brest.

The fortifications at the Mukhavets and Western Bug rivers’ confluence were built in the 30s and 40s of the 19th century on the old town’s territory. During construction, the town itself moved to new spaces to the east of the growing fortress.

The fortifications occupied four islands, separated by river branches and canals. The area of the fortress premises is almost 4 square kilometers. The fortress includes the core fortification, or the Citadel, connected by bridges with three human-made fortifications on the islands: Kobrin in the northeast, Terespol in the west, and Volyn in the southeast. In the heart of the Citadel is the garrison St. Nicolas Orthodox Church, built in 1851-1871.

From August 1915 until the end of the First World War, the German military controlled the fortress. In 1921, according to the Peace of Riga treaty, it passed to neighboring Poland and remained Polish until 1939, when the fortification complex was transferred to the Soviet Union.

On the tragedic day of June 22, 1941, the fortress garrison was one of the first to take on the attacks of the fascist troops. In the all-around blockade, the fortress defended itself for more than a month. At the end of World War II, the Citadel was awarded the honorary title «Hero Fortress» for its defenders’ heroism and courage. During the defense, the fortress was significantly damaged; to this day, the incompletely restored monument serves as a visual reminder of what happened to those who protected this border territory.

In 1969-1971, a large-scale memorial complex was created in the Brest Fortress. Its architectural and sculptural highlights are the «Courage» monument, a 33.5-meter high sculpture of a warrior; the 100 meters high «Bayonet-Obelisk», towering the entire Citadel, and the sculptural composition «Thirst», reminding that the soldiers of the Brest bastions held the fortress without food and water. The crucial space of the memorial complex is the Square of Ceremonies, where commemorative celebrations are held. As an everlasting sign of memory of the tragic war days, the Eternal Flame burns in front of the former engineering department.

In the evening, the fortress memorial area is illuminated by decorative lighting.